Ah, just the person I wanted to ask. Trey Ratcliff sent me to you via a comment on his post from June 28th. But I suppose anyone who knows the area is welcome to respond.

I am heading down to Florida and have never visited the state before. It's completely coincidental that the launch is on my last day in the state. I had no idea when I booked the vacation, but I figure since I'm down there I might as well try and catch it if I can.

I was just wondering if anyone here knows the area fairly well and could offer some advice towards a good location to see the launch and maybe grab a few shots. I've only got a nikon d3100 and a cheapo 55-300mm telephoto so nothing special.

I was thinking the Cocoa Beach area might be good, but honestly I've just looked at Google maps to find locations in the proximity of the launch site.

I remember seeing your comment, and think I replied there, but just briefly, in the absence of a Causeway ticket, I would probably head to Titusville and park up at the side of the road at somewhere there is access to get through and view.

Be warned though, there'll be loads of people with the same idea, so try and scout out a location at least one day before to check out access and whether the view is uninterrupted, and also get there early on the day as people WILL start arriving very early.

Just look out for the ominous - and omnipresent - cube shape of the NASA VAB on the horiozn and the launch pad will be visible to one side. So you'll know if you'll see it from launch.

Wow Gordon what a great video!Didnt know you were so into NASA stuff and it was sad seeing that you missed the last launch.Im confident you will get to see the launch this time,you deserve it after what you went through hehe.Cant wait for another equipment video,although I guess you will have the same gear right?

You can download the STS 135 press kit by clicking on this link (PDF file, 34MB). I've only had the briefest of looks through it so far but it's packed with information, and I do mean packed, and not just about this mission! Highly recommended.

Hey Gordon, thanks for sharing your wonderful journey to the last Space Shuttles..I'm fascinated by space too (still remember building a Space Shuttle Lego kit and endlessly reading the 3 space books available in my local library as a kid). My heart breaks every time I see the footage of the Apollo missions and I have to live with the fact I wasn't born yet, lol.

I love your recent "reportage" videos, keep em coming. Good luck on STS-135, the countdown has started! Have fun and God speed!